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    Myanmar

    Any discussion of 2013's travel hot spots inevitably includes Myanmar, where the military junta loosened its grip recently to finally allow for elections. A widespread travel boycott of the country was called off. If that wasn't enough to lure travelers, President Obama's historic visit in November may have helped sealed the deal.

    The country has plenty to offer travelers, including a verdant landscape, the welcoming Buddhist culture and temples. Tour companies are reporting major upticks in the number of clients booking trips, including Abercrombie & Kent, which saw a 90 percent increase in tour bookings between 2011 and 2012.

    The consumer research firm Euromonitor has predicted American tourism to Myanmar will increase more than 70 percent by 2016.